Nadine de Klerk showed remarkable composure under pressure, guiding South Africa to a three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a thrilling Women`s World Cup match on Monday. Chasing 233 runs, star all-rounders Marizanne Kapp (56 off 71 balls) and Chloe Tryon (62 off 69 balls) scored crucial half-centuries, helping South Africa stage an impressive comeback after initially struggling at 78 for five wickets in the 23rd over, thanks to an 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Ultimately, South Africa completed their chase with three balls to spare. Following their dismissals, Nadine de Klerk, who had been dropped by Shorna Akter at long-off in the penultimate over, sealed the win with a four and a six, remaining unbeaten on 37 runs off 29 balls.
De Klerk had also delivered a match-winning performance against India previously.
Dew proved challenging for the Bangladeshi spinners, who entered the fray after young Shorna`s explosive 51 not out off 35 balls propelled Bangladesh to 232 for six wickets following a cautious start.
Before 18-year-old Shorna accelerated the scoring, Sharmin Akhter (50 off 77 balls) and captain Nigar Sultana (32 off 42 balls) contributed a 77-run stand for the third wicket, stabilizing Bangladesh`s innings.
With their bowling prowess, Bangladesh began strongly as left-arm spinner Nahida Akter dismissed Tazmin Brits for a golden duck, catching and bowling the opener with only three runs on the scoreboard.
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (31 off 56 balls) and Anneke Bosch (28 off 35 balls) built a 55-run partnership before Bangladesh benefited from the South African captain`s run-out due to a terrible mix-up that left both batters stranded mid-pitch.
Eventually, Wolvaardt moved past Bosch, and Nigar Sultana completed the run-out.
Bangladesh gained momentum after the critical dismissal of the in-form Wolvaardt. The run-out might also have been on Bosch`s mind, as she carelessly gave her wicket away by slicing Sobhana Mostary to mid-off.
Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan bowled Annerie Dercksen with a beautiful delivery that subtly turned away to dislodge the off-stump, leaving the batter stunned and putting Bangladesh firmly in control.
Bangladesh celebrated again when leg-break bowler Fahima Khatun hit the top of the off-stump, signaling the end of Sinalo Jafta`s time at the crease and leaving South Africa precarious at 78 for five wickets in the 23rd over.
However, De Klerk had other plans and denied Bangladesh a victory.
Earlier, with both openers Fargana Hoque (30 off 76 balls) and Rubya Haider (25 off 52 balls) adopting an overly cautious approach, Bangladesh required 16 overs to reach 50 runs.
When Rubya attempted to break free with a slog sweep against spinner Chloe Tryon, she ended up dragging the ball from outside off to De Klerk at mid-on, providing South Africa with their first breakthrough.
Bangladesh suffered a significant blow when their top batter Fargana was given out leg before wicket after attempting a paddle sweep against left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Confident that Fargana had edged the ball, the South Africans appealed for a caught behind decision and reviewed it. However, the batter was instead given out LBW after the review confirmed no contact with the bat or glove and that the ball would have hit the off-stump.
Sultana then came in and immediately cut Mlaba through point for a four.
Sharmin Akhter hit two boundaries off Masabata Klaas in the subsequent over, while Sultana, taking advantage of an attacking field, rocked back and slapped Mlaba through covers for another four.
